Arthritis and joint pain showed the largest change in rate reported for musculoskeletal disease conditions between 1996 to 1998 and 2009 to 2011, but much of this increase is probably due to methodological changes in MEPS in 2001 and 2007 that improved the accuracy of capturing these conditions. Spine conditions remained the same, while injuries showed a slight decline in rate, consistent with other reported numbers in this report. Osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions showed slight rate increases.  (Reference Table 10.1 PDF CSV)

While one in four persons in the "all musculoskeletal diseases" category is older than age 65 years, nearly one-half of osteoporosis cases occur among persons 65 years and older. Only about 15% of persons reporting injuries are in this age range. (Reference Table 10.1.1 PDF CSV)